L’Anse aims for turnaround after disappointing 2011

August 21, 2012

L'ANSE - Mark Leaf would be the first person to tell you that the 2011 football season didn't go as planned for the L'Anse High School football team.

But the Purple Hornets' coach is confident that his charges can turn around last year's 2-7 mark.

"I think we have a good combination of speed and size on the roster," Leaf said. "We were close in quite a few games last year with a pretty young team, and I think the experience we gained will help us."

The LHS offense returns an All-West PAC performer in junior tailback Jim Veker, who rushed for more than 850 yards and tallied 12 touchdowns last fall, despite missing some time with an injury.

"Jimmy is in his third year as a starter. He's a year older and a litle bit stronger (6-foot-3, 200 pounds)," Leaf said. "But he hasn't lost any quickness, he's still a threat to go the distance on any play."

Veker will be joined in the backfield by senior fullback Cody Goldsworthy (6-3, 215) and junior Gaven Picciano. Junior Joey Beauprey and sophomore Brandon Kemppainen have also looked good in the preseason.

Picciano, a transfer from Baraga, was ineligible all of last season. But he led the Vikings in rushing two years ago as a freshman.

"That group of kids gives us size and quickness," Leaf said. "I believe our ground game will be very good."

Junior quarterback Jacob Ostermeyer returns after putting together a solid second half a year ago. Leaf says the Hornets will throw the ball if the ground game bogs down.

"Jacob Ostermeyer is a year older and he throws a nice ball. I think he's going to be much improved," Leaf said.

The offensive line is another area where the Hornets should benefit from a year of seasoning.

No less than three juniors, center Alex Karcher (5-11, 325) and tackles Brandon Scroggs (6-3, 280) and Keith Denomie (6-2, 245) were starters.

"Those three kids had to learn the hard way as sophomores," Leaf said.